Maybe it is more a quintessentially Canadian connection, but I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing og Gord Downie this week, after being diagnosed with aggressive glioblastoma in late 2015. While relatively young, and of a more 'modern' age, he without any doubt cemented his status as a legend in the music scene, even if, perhaps, the recognition of his work did not extend globally. He was many things to many people; songwriter, poet, chronicler of the Canadian experience. Maybe just a man who put together one heck of an enjoyable tune. Whatever it amounted to, his loss will be deeply felt. As the frontman for one of - if not the - best Canadian groupings, Gord was an artist whose work touched a lot of people. Multiple generations who might argue on everything from politics, the rules on icing, to the best way to put together a sandwich, could get together in appreciation of his songs. And most of all, not only was the music so completely relatable, he remained an everyman through it all (probably why it was so universally loved), and would still play the small hometown gigs from which they built their decades-spanning career, as well as the massive venues. As a small anecdote to the man's character, when he was diagnosed with brain cancer, rather than taking time to step back and just be private in his treatment, he organised a cross-Canada tour, playing shows all over to his appreciating fans, to give back to them what he felt they had given him. The broadcast of their final show was watched by 11.7 million people (yes, a full third of the population of the great white north); that is some pretty ardent appreciation for a simple musical group. If you haven't had the pleasure of listening to some Hip songs, which many reading this may not have, then I would urge you to please set yourself some time aside to turn things off, sit by a nice view somewhere, relax with a comfy beverage of your choice, and spend some time with their catalogue. Pop, rock, folk, whatever your pleasure I am sure many will find something in there to enjoy, and if even one or two people get a smile, memory, or emotion from it, I think he would be very happy. It is very sad to lose another icon of songwriting so soon after Tom Petty. May his music live on forever, and continue to inspire and comfort new generations to come. Gord Downie, CM 6 February 1964 – 17 October 2017
As a brief addendum, an interactive guide/intro to some Hip songs I managed to dig back out of the CBC archives, for anyone that is interested. http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/tragicallyhip/
